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Astrophel Aerospace raises Rs 6.84 Cr in pre-seed round

EntrackrEntrackr · 1d ago
Astrophel Aerospace raises Rs 6.84 Cr in pre-seed round
Medial

Snippets Astrophel Aerospace raises Rs 6.84 Cr in pre-seed round Deep-tech space startup Astrophel Aerospace has raised Rs 6.84 crore (around $800K) in a pre-seed funding round from a group of angel investors and venture firms. The Pune-based startup will use the funds to build a prototype of its reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicle and to expand in-house R&D efforts focused on building advanced missile-grade guidance and propulsion systems. Founded in 2022 by Suyash Bafna, Astrophel Aerospace is building cost-effective, reusable launch vehicles specifically tailored for small satellites. It operates on a vertically integrated model designing, engineering, and testing propulsion systems in-house. The firm’s Astra C1 series rockets are powered by in-house developed semi-cryogenic engines and built using a combination of 3D printing and modular assembly. Astrophel claims to be among a limited number of Indian private companies to have successfully test-fired a semi-cryogenic engine, and achieved this with just Rs 6 lakh in internal resources and no external funding before this round. It is now aiming for a working, reusable prototype within the next 2–3 years. The startup is building its flagship Potentia C1U engine using modular design and manufacturing principles adapted from the automotive sector. Astrophel has also signed an MoU with ISRO to support co-development and testing. In India, its key competitors include Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Bellatrix Aerospace and Pixxel among others.

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Dream Aerospace raises Rs 3 Cr in pre-Seed round

EntrackrEntrackr · 5m ago
Dream Aerospace raises Rs 3 Cr in pre-Seed round
Medial

Aerospace and defense startup Dream Aerospace has raised Rs 3 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). The fresh funds will be allocated towards accelerating the development of its ATOM Thruster, validating the propulsion system, and establishing an in-house high-altitude test facility, Dream Aerospace said in a press release. Co-founded in 2022 by Hari Krishnan KJ and Rogith S, Dream Aerospace aims to empower satellite propulsion systems by offering high-performance, cost-effective, and scalable solutions tailored to diverse mission needs. It leverages indigenous technology and aligns with India’s "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives, making it a preferred partner for both commercial and defense applications. The Chennai-based startup develops customizable, affordable, and agile thrusters to enhance satellite operations and space missions. Furthermore, the company prioritizes safety by improving fuel handling processes for ground personnel. It addresses the critical demand for environmentally friendly and efficient propulsion systems, paving the way for a more sustainable future in aerospace technology. Dream Aerospace claims that it delivers superior propulsion performance at a significantly lower cost compared to international alternatives. Currently outsourcing production to meet early market demands, it plans to establish in-house production facilities with an annual capacity of 40–50 thrusters, ensuring scalability and efficiency. Dream Aerospace aspires to enable cutting-edge, efficient, and scalable solutions that empower the next generation of CubeSats and larger satellites.

JITO Shark Angels commits Rs 30 Cr to startups at JIIF Flames Summit

EntrackrEntrackr · 4m ago
JITO Shark Angels commits Rs 30 Cr to startups at JIIF Flames Summit
Medial

Four high-growth startups have secured funding in a bridge round worth Rs 30 crore at a recently held seed funding initiative by JITO Shark Angels. The JITO Shark Angels Pitch & Rise session during the JIIF Flames Summit saw Investors Madanlal Gundecha, Ecosystem Ventures founder Abhishek Sanghvi, Kiran Dantewadia, and Rajesh Jain leading the funding round. The investment was strategically allocated in the D2C consumer tech sector directed towards smart technology and sustainability. These funds aim to accelerate innovation and strengthen India's business landscape by backing ventures with significant growth potential. The JIIF Flames Summit provided a platform for discussions on investment trends, family business governance, and emerging market opportunities. Sessions covered Pre-IPO investments, stock markets, real estate, and gold, along with insights into the impact of Budget 2025 on business decisions. JITO Shark Angels supports high-potential startups across diverse sectors. Internationally, the initiative has also made its mark, with a Dubai edition witnessing a Rs 20 crore commitment from investors across logistics, space, fintech, and SaaS AI. Companies like Elixia and Astrophel Aerospace were among the beneficiaries of this funding. The JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JIIF) is the innovation and entrepreneurship arm of JITO, committed to nurturing ideas and fostering businesses among its members. JIIF provides a platform for startups and established businesses to collaborate, innovate, and scale through strategic support, mentorship, and funding opportunities. It aims to expand impact across industries while promoting sustainable and community-centric growth.

Gully Labs raises Rs 8.7 Cr in seed round led by Zeropearl VC

EntrackrEntrackr · 1m ago
Gully Labs raises Rs 8.7 Cr in seed round led by Zeropearl VC
Medial

Gully Labs raises Rs 8.7 Cr in seed round led by Zeropearl VC Sneaker brand Gully Labs has raised Rs 8.7 crore in a seed funding round — comprising Rs 7.6 crore in equity and Rs 1.1 crore in venture debt. The equity round was led by Zeropearl VC along with participation from Untitled Ventures, Atrium Ventures, and other prominent angel investors including Bounce co-founder & CEO Vivekananda Hallekere, Suhasini Sampath, Nishchay AG, Renee Cosmetics founder Ashutosh Valani, Anurag Ramadasan, and Rahul Seth, while Stride Ventures led the debt investment. Prior to this, the company had secured Rs 1.1 crore in equity during its pre-seed round in 2024. The fresh capital will be deployed towards diversifying the product mix, expanding sales channels, and opening physical retail stores, Gully Labs said in a press release. Co-founded in 2023 by Arjun Singh and Animesh Mishra, Gully Labs crafts handmade sneakers, blending premium materials with culturally rich design stories — from Phulkari-embroidered trainers to Onam-inspired silhouettes. Gully Labs sells its products through its website and in select partner stores across Indian metros. The company plans to build a larger production facility, broaden its product line across diverse sneaker styles, and deepen its reach across India and global markets. It also plans to launch exclusive retail outlets as part of its omni-channel strategy.

MS Dhoni-backed Garuda Aerospace raises Rs 100 Cr in Series B round

EntrackrEntrackr · 2m ago
MS Dhoni-backed Garuda Aerospace raises Rs 100 Cr in Series B round
Medial

MS Dhoni-backed Garuda Aerospace raises Rs 100 Cr in Series B round Drone technology startup Garuda Aerospace has raised Rs 100 crore ($11.6 million) in its Series B funding round led by Venture Catalysts (VCAT) at a post-money valuation of $250 million. Previously, the firm had raised $22 million in its Series A round led by Venture Capital firm SphitiCap in February 2023. The fresh proceeds will be used to scale up drone manufacturing, enhance production capabilities, and complete an R&D and testing center focused on defense drone technology. Founded in 2015 by Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Garuda has grown to a team of over 200 members and manufactures 30 drone types while offering 50 services. Garuda currently holds over 20 patents and operates a fleet of over 400 drones with 500 trained pilots across 84 cities. It serves clients including government agencies and major corporations such as TATA, Reliance, and Adani. It has also partnered with global companies like Lockheed Martin and Elbit Systems. As per TheKredible, Garuda Aerospace’s revenue from operations grew by 2.3X to Rs 110 crore in FY24 from Rs 47 crore in FY23. Its net profit reached Rs 16 crore in FY24, a 2.7X increase from Rs 6 crore in the previous year. Garuda competes with the likes of ideaForge, Aarav Unmanned Systems, Throttle Aerospace Systems, General Aeronautics, and Omnipresent Robot Tech in the drone manufacturing and drone-as-a-service (DaaS) segment across defense, agriculture, and industrial applications.

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